Christmas came early for the residents of a care home when some Little Elves came to visit.

Social enterprise Friend In Deed brought children in their best festive get-ups to Broadland View care home in Thorpe St Andrew for an afternoon of carols, gifts and Christmas joy.

Barbara, who has dementia, said: “A baby’s smile does something that medication can’t. It makes me feel young and alive again.”

Hannah Golligy Thompson and her daughter Grace (4) talking to Daphne Gee at the Broadland View Care Home in Norwich. Picture: Ian Burt

Friend In Deed says there are benefits to interactions between young and older people including improvements in mood, mobility and grip strength while the children develop their empathy and communication skills.

Sarah, mum to Little Elf Edie, said: “She loves to meet people and you can see the impact she is making by seeing all the smiles she gets from the residents.”